LANE COUNTY, Ore. — Open burning season will draw to a close on Saturday, June 15, meaning residents will have to find other ways to dispose of their wood and yard debris.

Sally Markos with the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency said that this spring has been one of the driest on record, despite the recent rain, and open burning will become more dangerous as the weather continues to warm up. “Illegal burning during the dry summer months increases the risk of wildfires that can damage property and destroy homes,” she said.

Residents who burn during the closed season could be fined as much as $2,500, or possibly even more. Instead, LRAPA encourages people to take their wood and yard debris to area recycling centers. Eugene and Springfield residents also have the option of curbside yard debris pickup with their garbage service.

Burning season is expected to resume on October 1. For more information, visit LRAPA’s website.